Wellington Fire Department looking to recruit more volunteer firefighters

The Wellington Fire Department is looking to take on up to five new volunteer firefighters this week.

Currently the department in southwestern P.E.I. has 30 people on its roster, and they're looking for more.

Spokesperson Desmond Arsenault has been volunteering as a firefighter for 25 years, and said they're looking for fit and willing residents of the fire district.

"We're looking for members of any age that's in good physical condition, that's willing to learn and want to help out the community."

Applications are open until May 23.

Arsenault said there are a few requirements for those looking to join the force.

"There has to be the availability to attend the various events and functions required to the fire department. Now, there's no expectation that everybody has to attend all of the events, but we certainly want a high percentage if they can," he said.

"Obviously there's going to be some changes to the procedures and guidelines, so members have to be aware of what to expect and how we will tackle various fires and emergencies that face us."

No experience needed

Arsenault said new members will be trained in-house, as well as going through some instruction in Charlottetown.

P.E.I.'s next batch of firefighters getting ready to answer the call

25 days ago

Duration 1:52

Firefighting recruits were putting their mettle to the test during the final weekend of field training in Charlottetown. About 55 trainees battled real flames and smoke during multiple fire scenarios. As CBC's Connor Lamont reports, they'll be certified as volunteers and answer calls along with their local departments across the Island.

"Our own fire department puts on training — we try to do at least two a month — but in addition to that we do have an expectation that our members will become Level One certified through the P.E.I. Fire School in Charlottetown," he said.

"Now that's a pretty intensive course. There's a pretty big book with several chapters that you have to read and do a knowledge test, and then there's two full weekends of hands-on training that you have to do in Charlottetown to show that you've understood the material that you studied and wrote the test on."

With that Level One certification, firefighters can work across Canada, he said: "It's recognized by all the provinces, so it is quite an achievement."

Arsenault said more new local members are needed during business hours.

"The ideal situation would be to have members that work in the community during the day, because our members live throughout the community but they also work throughout the Island," he said.

"We have some volunteer firefighters who are fishermen, so they're out on the water during the day. We have some that are truckers that are gone all across P.E.I., people who work in Summerside or Charlottetown... so that brings another challenge... to respond during business hours."